People have been using the leaves of the ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) for thousands of years to promote blood circulation and concentration. In traditional Chinese medicine, the ginkgo leaf is an integral part of many treatments. But can ginkgo also be used for similar purposes in horses?
What is ginkgo used for in horses?
Ginkgo biloba can be used in horses to promote blood circulation and concentration as well as to treat heart problems, laminitis and other hoof problems. A dose of 30 grams of leaves per 600 kilograms of body weight and an application period of a maximum of two weeks is recommended.
What does ginkgo do for horses?
As with humans - and also with other animals such as dogs - ginkgo is used in horses for the following purposes:
- for heart problems, especially in older horses
- for laminitis and other hoof problems
- general for circulatory disorders
- to increase concentration at work
According to various studies, the ingredients of the ginkgo leaf promote blood circulation, so that the natural product is often recommended by veterinarians and animal he alth practitioners as a supplement to therapy against laminitis - which is also just a circulatory disorder in the hoof skin - and for heart problems.
Are there studies on Ginkgo biloba in horses?
There are now numerous studies on the effect of ginkgo on humans, and on the effect on horses there is a scientific publication from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna from 2014. In this study, the researchers were able to determine with the help of thermographic studies that the administration of Ginkgo leaves actually improve blood circulation in the horse's hoof.
Otherwise, veterinarians and practitioners often report that a combination of ginkgo and special minerals for the hoof - which are supposed to help develop he althy horns - helps with laminitis. However, this effect has not yet been scientifically proven in studies.
How is Ginkgo biloba used in horses?
Ginkgo biloba is used either as a cut leaf without any additional additives or as a finished remedy in liquid or solid form - usually as an extract, pellets or powder. You can easily give your horse ginkgo as part of feeding - many horses love to eat the dried leaves.
The application is always internal, and the dosage should be around 30 grams of leaves per 600 kilograms of body weight. For ready-made preparations, follow the instructions of the respective manufacturer to avoid accidental over- or under-dosing.
Is too much ginkgo harmful for the horse?
Even he althy things can be harmful in excess - the Swiss doctor Paracelsus astutely recognized this in the 16th century. This wisdom also applies to ginkgo, especially since the leaves of the tree contain toxic alicyclic acids, such as ginkgolic acid. These can not only cause discomfort in the horse, but also symptoms of poisoning and even allergies.
That is why it is usually recommended not to feed ginkgo leaves long-term. These should usually be administered for a maximum of two weeks at a time and then take a break. In addition, ready-made preparations should be preferred to natural leaves, as extracts etc. often contain fewer of the harmful ingredients.
Tip
When should Ginkgo not be used in horses?
Furthermore, due to the known side effects, ginkgo should not be used on pregnant horses or on sensitive animals or individuals with a tendency to bleed. Ginkgo can also cause skin problems, often in the form of eczema.
